Literary Losses

Lillian Ross, who wrote for the New Yorker magazine for over 70 years, has died at the age of 99. Her stories included an influential profile of Ernest Hemingway, and she was a frequent Talk of the Town contributor. She also chronicled the making of The Red Badge of Courage in a five-part series (later published as a book entitled Picture.) As a journalist, she sought to keep herself and her opinions out of the story. She never used a tape recorder, instead taking notes as she interviewed and observed. Her style influenced the “new journalism” and journalists like Truman Capote and Tom Wolfe, though she eschewed the flamboyancy they embraced.

Ross was also the mistress of New Yorker editor William Shawn, an affair that continued for more than four decades and remained largely secret until the publication of Ross’s memoir, six years after Shawn’s death. She left The New Yorker when Shawn was fired as editor, returning only after his death at the invitation of editor Tina Brown. In the last decade, she wrote profiles of both J.D. Salinger and In the Heights (and later Hamilton) composer-author Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Ross published several books in addition to Picture, including her memoir, a collection of short stories, and several collections of her New Yorker pieces.

Awesome Lists

50 of the Best Fantasy Characters Ever (The Portalist) Well, I would definitely argue against a few of these, and the list makers relied more heavily on movies and TV than on books, but they’ve picked some good ones. And left out some good ones as well, particularly female characters.

I always love all the links you find, Lark! I really love the Middle Earth themed wovens. I will check them out. And am sad to hear about the increase in banned books. The Confederacy article sounds interesting, too. Lots to read this week!Jan @ Notes from a Readerholic recently posted…Favorite urban fantasies since 2015